Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Connacht progressed to the semi finals of the Amlin Challenge Cup this past weekend after they clinched a 23-20 win over Bourgoin in an intense battle at the Sportsground in Galway.

New Zealander Miah Nikora showed great temperament as he slotted two penalty kicks as well as the match-winning dropgoal with little time left after earlier missing an opportunity to take the lead.

Bourgoin had led 20-14 but aided by a yellow card for Benjamin Boyet, Connacht got back into the match as the forwards set up a great platform for Nekora to nail his kicks from.

The well struck dropgoal in the end proved the difference between the two sides, who were level with just a few minutes left in the match.

They will play Toulon in their home semi on April 30th, and have opted to host the match at their home ground in Galways rather than take up the more glamourous option of using the far larger Thomond Park.

Captain John Muldoon explained why the decision made sporting sense, despite the fact that some fans will most likely not get their hands on a match ticket.

"The game will be played here," he insisted. "We will sit on the field in protest if we have to. Nobody likes coming here, we know that. So why would we give them the advantage of a nice big ground, dressing rooms, all that?"

The Sportsground has a capacity of 6000, but temporary stands will be erected to squeeze more fans into the ground for what should be a great occasion.

the tries they let in were very soft but some of connachts attacking play was awesome. the interlinking down the left flank in the 78th minute was beautiful for a group of players who dont get the recognition or resources they deserve.would be a far greater addition to the heineken cup next season than some of the italian or scottish sides so heres hopin that they can win the amlin...get ahead of ulster in the magners or munster/leinster win the HC. fair play to them

^ and Connacht beating Leinster, with Rocky Elsom being sent off for a punch. Stop feeling sorry for yourself maybe? I think Mr P summed it up anyway, although that wouldnt have been my choice of words.

"The game will be played here," he insisted. "We will sit on the field in protest if we have to. Nobody likes coming here, we know that. So why would we give them the advantage of a nice big ground, dressing rooms, all that?"

Ha classic! Dressing room ,all that?!? Do they make the aways get changed in the bus in Connaught!?! If so, fair play that's one way to annoy the opposition.

Well done Connaught - Toulon will be an interesting day out for everyone.

Holy shit! Connacht get a nice write up on rugby dump! This is a great moment..at the match, fucking great game season finishing nicely. Hopefully nick munster on sunday and toulon in the semi's. Heineken Cup here we come!